Category: Uncategorized

Since Covid-19, and the Russian – Ukrainian war, pressure has been building in the European Union for half a decade, and as it grows, as does the dissatisfaction of the masses, which has turned extreme. Throughout Europe, extremist parties are rising in power, 7 national parliaments containing far right parties, many more threatened to.

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs/Subcommittee on Legal Affairs (LIBE/JURI) has been tasked with tackling how to counteract the rise of extremism, while ensuring freedom of speech is not affected. While the committee is starting their mission, they are also having to learn how to work together for the first time, having, for the most part, not met each other before. Speaking with the delegate for Cyprus, Evridiki Christophide, an insight was given to how the newly formed committee is rising to the challenge: “my committee is working together rather fruitfully,” Evridiki started, “everyone has great ideas and very different opinions, so the conversation is always very interesting.” This was also shown in their committee meeting, in which, though there were disagreements, the delegates consistently showed each other respect.

The rise of political extremism in Europe is illustrated by Evridiki to not only be visible in election results, but in ‘the prejudice within societies and the ways minorities are treated’. She went on to reference violent attacks that present the increase of primarily far-right extremism towards certain demographics. Evridiki further addressed this: “one of the first things the EU should ensure is the safety of its people… I’m definitely scared for the future of the EU,” This fear is felt by many as more extremist parties lay claim over political systems all throughout Europe. “But I have faith in it, and the youth.”

A primary trouble the committee must tackle is how to curb extremist parties, while ensuring the safety of free speech. While extremist parties must be given checks, to do so would be to limit the freedom of speech that the people of the EU are given under EU law. Furthermore, would limiting political freedom not be a breach of democracy? Evridiki contrasted this, saying rather that “counteracting extremism will not mean overstepping rights of the freedom of speech, and that’s what the EU has to ensure.”

Arguably the most important factor in this equation, however, is the people. The people who continue to vote for more extremist parties, because they are dissatisfied with the current government, or because there is a rise in euroscepticism and political discontent. This question of why was posed to Evridiki, “political extremism often tends to be very populist, so it seems like a solution to desperate citizens so extremist parties are making ways that seem attractive to people as a direct solution to problems that they see in their everyday lives.” This, along with evidence from the committee meeting, suggests that extremist parties are rising to power not because of the failure of other parties, but because of the desperation of the people, who feel a need for an extreme change.

As these parties continue to rise, they are not only infiltrating national parliaments, but the European parliament as well, arguably undermining its authority as a democratic nation. According to Evridiki, the rise in votes for extremist parties in the European election is not only dividing the parliament but creating an increased representation of extremist views, increasing Euroscepticism and political discontent among many. This is therefore leading into a fear, however Evridiki argues it’s a larger issue than simply the parliament, and it should be treated as a social issue, rather than boiled down to simply political.

Combating the rise of extremism could be a vital turning point in Europe, however, if done incorrectly, could show the government doing exactly what they aim to prevent. This is why it must be done correctly, for the future.

Salma Nassae, EUobserver

While the Model European Parliament session in Athens held its first committee meeting, delegates from different countries discussed the usage and development of AI in the European Union. With the emergence of artificial intelligence as a significant force, various concerns have been raised, including data privacy, security, and ethical complexities.

AI has been improving and evolving, rendering us unable to keep up with its rapid pace. How can the European Union ensure the accountable and responsible use of AI in supporting human activity?

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending a committee meeting that discussed the many different risks of Artificial Intelligence. The committee was deciding on keeping or merging issues that they found are an essential part of the civilization in Europe. They were rephrasing issues, finetuning their IC’s and merging them. IC’s are problems that they think need to be solved in order to have a better, stronger and safer Europe.

A lot of different proposals were made, going from the all-known ChatGPT to things that are less well-known to the public. Thanks to them, awareness is spreading, even to people less reachable in society.

This meeting also included the 2024 AI Act, a not unimportant act to improve the functioning of the internal market by laying down a uniform legal framework in particular for the development, the placing on the market, the putting into service and the use of Artificial Intelligence systems in the Union. Including the Union values, to promote the uptake of human centric and trustworthy AI. This Act was published June 13th, and after only 4 months, our delegation is trying to improve this Act. And doing this by listening to the needs of all the EU countries and even guest delegations.

Interview with a delegate

We also had the opportunity to talk with a delegate from Denmark, who gave us more insight into what was happening at this specific meeting.

She was happy to tell us that the meetings started out great. However, there were some disagreements between the countries on various topics, but apart from that, they had been a great team. She stated that the disagreements were very interesting, because when people propose their point of view, you’re not the only one with a strong opinion on that topic, you get to know how they think, and you also get to know the cultural differences in the European Union.

The delegate also told us that everyone was really ‘getting into it’ and that everyone knew what they were talking about. They also had a professional coming in to talk about AI, who talked about the work that he does. After that, they could ask him some questions.

The delegate also mentioned that ‘Trying to form this resolution paper is trying to deal with stuff that might come up in the future. Learning from the professor was one thing, but learning from the other delegations was also quite an inspiring experience. I would nearly say that I’ve learnt more from the other delegations than from the expert.’

She proposed some risks that you can face while using AI, because with every positive aspect goes a negative one.

This committee meeting was a successful one since the delegates worked on the problems regarding the issue. Now they will have to do the hard work, finding out how they can solve the many important problems regarding this futuristic but very important topic.

Myrre De Nies, Reuters

On 13.10.2024, one of the two largest committees of the European Parliament, ENVI (Committee of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety), joined their forces together in order to prevent and manage the issue of wildfires and floods. The committee started by forming IC’s which lead the way for them to propose crucial changes within the European Parliament, to create a safe and pleasant future. In addition to an incredible discussion, a member of the committee, the delegation of Cyprus has shared their thoughts on the intensive session.

In today’s session, the committee of ENVI discussed topics that would affect all of humanity, evaluating each issue with deep concentration, in order to ensure the best outcome for all. The session debated the safe environment not only for humans, but for all natural life, including nature, animals, and oceanic well being. The importance of small communities and their struggles have been highlighted. The delegate from Cyprus highlighted this issue with a personal story about the delegate’s personal connections to people suffering. As reported by the delegate from Cyprus, all environmental struggles stem back to the concept of global warming and climate change. This concept was only amplified with the addition of a personal story by the delegate, about the delegate’s personal connection to those who struggle. As seen, the importance of the acknowledgment of global warming was not short passed.

Furthermore, the recognition of the deep rooted understanding of the complexity of climate issues was addressed within the community. The acknowledgment of economic struggles the EU might face while dealing with all kinds of natural disasters was highlighted by the delegate of Cyprus, “Main one is going to be economic challenges. As I said before, billions of euros are spent every year to prevent these disasters, but they still happen”, stated the delegate.

A constant back and forth debate created a concise list of IC’s, which the committee agrees to be the main and most important problems, though some speculation of over censorship has risen. “I wouldn’t say I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of the IC’s”, stated the delegate.

Even with the slight doubt forming in the committee and its delegates, there is a strong unanimous belief that the committee is doing everything in their power to ensure the best possible outcome for the entirety of Europe. The delegate of Cyprus stated, “I believe most of the delegates in my committee do care about the resolution”, hinting towards a glimmer of doubt for the delegates committee.

To conclude, the committee of ENVI has achieved great success within their first committee meeting, being able to form a strong bond with one another, creating a supporting yet demanding community. This community is able to motivate each other to push for success, even in doing so, being able to challenge each other on their opinions, though there is a hunch of doubt forming within the committee.

Milla Jalasto, CNN

In the heart of Athens, the 60th International Model European Parliament (MEP) has officially commenced. This annual event, which brings together young delegates from across Europe to simulate the work of the European Parliament, provides a platform for critical debate on pressing international issues. Against the backdrop of Athens’ historical landmarks, the delegates have wasted no time diving into one of the most pivotal topics on the agenda: the future of the transatlantic partnership between the European Union and the United States, in relation to the approaching U.S. election. At the forefront of this critical conversation is the Foreign Affairs Committee, responsible for drafting a resolution aimed at bolstering the European Union’s enduring alliance with the United States amid significant political upheaval. This partnership, a fundamental stepstone of global diplomacy, rests on common principles such as democracy, human rights, and economic collaboration. However, as the geopolitical landscape evolves, the strength of this alliance faces unprecedented challenges. The rise of China, the renewed threat of Russian aggression, and shifting political dynamics within both Europe and the U.S. are all testing the resilience of this vital relationship. Essentially, the upcoming U.S. elections pose questions about the direction of American foreign policy, and the MEP’s young delegates have the responsibility of examining how the EU should respond, adapt, and possibly lead in the evolving transatlantic relationship.

As the first day of the session unfolds, the atmosphere in the committee meetings is one of cautious optimism and determined focus. The delegates have already started working together in order to develop solutions that could shape the future of EU-US relations. The discussions held reflect the seriousness with which the young parliamentarians are approaching their work. During an insightful meeting, we had the opportunity to interview one of the Australian delegates from the Foreign Affairs Committee. Reflecting on the commencing session, the delegate noted, “We’ve found some common problems that we all think should be addressed. It’s encouraging to see how quickly we’re aligning our policy positions.” The collaborative spirit among the delegates is palpable, with many eager to share ideas and strategies. The delegate expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to foster meaningful discussions. “Everyone’s ideas and opinions are being heard, which is really important,” they emphasized. This inclusivity is vital, especially as the committee seeks to propose effective resolutions addressing the future of EU-US relations.

Furthermore, the delegate remarked on the importance of understanding the nuances of this partnership. “The U.S. is our largest supplier of resources, and we depend on them for natural gas and other crucial materials,” they explained. However, they also highlighted the need for the EU to assert greater autonomy. “While the relationship is amazing, it needs to be more EU-dominated at times,” they said, acknowledging a shared sentiment among diplomats that EU priorities must not be overshadowed by U.S. interests. As the committee delves deeper into discussions, the U.S. dependency question looms large. The delegate articulated this delicate balance, stating, “It’s an interesting question because the U.S. is our largest supplier of resources that we need. But we need to strengthen our own capabilities.” This perspective reflects a growing recognition that while the partnership with the U.S. is critical, the EU must also be prepared to stand on its own when necessary. The issue of dependency becomes particularly relevant when considering the implications of upcoming U.S. elections. A change in administration could lead to a significant shift in American foreign policy, which might affect everything from trade agreements to military cooperation. The delegate highlighted the potential consequences of such changes, noting, “We must ensure that the EU remains a stable and reliable partner, regardless of the political outcomes in Washington.”

Additionally, a critical topic for the committee is how the EU can prepare for possible shifts in U.S. trade policy that could impact key industries. The delegate pointed out that the perception of trade dynamics often misrepresents the EU’s position. “The misconception is that the U.S. has the upper hand. The EU needs to emphasize its importance to the U.S. economy, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals and renewable energy technologies,” they stated. This understanding accentuates the importance of a balanced approach in negotiations. Throughout the discussions, the theme of shared values remains a constant thread. The delegate remarked, “The EU and the U.S. are aligned on fundamental issues like human rights. But we must ensure that these values don’t get lost in the political shuffle.” This sentiment resonates strongly within the committee, as delegates work to ensure that any future partnerships or agreements continue to prioritize human rights and democratic principles. Moreover, the atmosphere amongst the delegates reflects a deep commitment to these ideals, as noted “We all share a belief in the importance of promoting human rights and social development.” Emphasizing the role of shared values in guiding their discussions.This unity is essential as they work toward resolutions that will not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable partnership moving forward.

As the first committee meeting comes to a close, it is clear that the delegates are just beginning their journey. The collaborative spirit and commitment to shared goals are promising signs as they tackle the complexities of EU-US relations. The challenges posed by the upcoming U.S. elections may loom large, but the delegates are resolute in their mission to navigate this country.

Elitsa Petrova, The Guardian

Today, MEP delegates initiated their day with a tour around the famous Acropolis, which amazed every single one of our delegates, indeed. The delegates filled their day experiencing the antique yet elegant atmosphere of Greece. The committee meetings of the 60th MEP session in Greece officially started today on the 13th of October.

We have observed the meeting of the committee ITRE—the committee of Industry, Technology, and Energy. Its committee issue seemed very direct yet complicated; ITRE focused on the ways for the EU to become a climate-neutral continent while abiding by the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement’s Goal. The European Green Deal, a policy that was approved in 2020 by the European Commission, aims to turn the EU into a climate-neutral continent by 2050. Moreover, it concentrates on creating actual movements for sustainable practices, which in fact leads the EU members to the ultimate goal: the Paris Agreement Goal. The goal seeks to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

The delegates in ITRE strived to work together as a team to discuss the committee issue. During the meeting, the problem of the expensive price of renewable energy technologies—like wind turbines—was introduced to the delegates. Furthermore, the problem of the variances in geographical positions and financial abilities of different countries was also brought to the surface by the delegates. Not only that, the delegates of ITRE managed to shift their viewpoints to non-EU third-party countries, talking about the importance of the need for every country to work as a whole for the sustaining of our planet. ITRE was able to acknowledge the hurdles the third-world countries must overcome in the process.

The delegate of Lithuania, Austėja Simaitytė, was interviewed by us for our better understanding of the current situation of ITRE. In the interview, Austėja explained the need for better and deeper research of renewable energy sources in the EU in order to properly move forward to truly become a climate-neutral continent. Currently, she stated the lack of research as the main determining factor that limits the EU member states from initiating actual moves for sustainable practices. Moreover, she elaborated on the current stance of different countries in the EU on the issue of cutting CO2 down—industrial countries like Germany and Poland are quite unlikely to change as they highly depend on their industrial sector. Above all, the interview that we had with the delegate of Lithuania was very informative.

Our MEP journey has not ended yet; we are still awaiting for more days to come. Tomorrow, we will have our opening ceremony in Maria Callas, Athens.

Dayeon Woo, Euronews